The Top Ten Recipes of 2012 from Kalyn’s Kitchen (plus Ten Honorable Mentions)

posted by Kalyn Denny on December 28, 2012

Narrowing it down is tough, but here are my Top Ten Recipes for 2012 and ten more Honorable Mentions!

I love those end-of-year lists that pop up between Christmas and New Year’s Day, so each December I scan through the monthly archives and save recipes that were my personal favorites from the past year. Sounds easy enough, but then every year I have a hard time narrowing it down, even though three years ago I started allowing myself to expand the top ten list with ten honorable mentions!

This year I ended up with 36 recipes saved, and as I narrowed it down I realized four of my final picks had been introduced to me by friends, family members, or readers. (Thanks to Al, Bonnie, Pam, and Effie for those great recipe ideas.) Some of my favorite ingredients were still in heavy use like kale, cabbage, cauliflower, Green Tabasco Sauce, Sriracha Sauce, dried beans, and of course cilantro, and I had fun experimenting with tofu and quinoa this year. And of course there were a lot of from-scratch Slow Cooker Recipes on the list! My final choices are admittedly a subjective list, but I’ve shared some thoughts about why each recipe appeals to me. I hope you find a few things you might have missed and enjoy trying them in 2013!

THANK YOU Kalyn for inspiring me this year. Your flair with flavors has taught me so much this year (as in past years) and I am so happy to be numbered among the many KK fans. I wish you much deserved happiness in the coming year.

Always love your roundup "reminders"!! All of these recipes are either gluten free or can easily be made gluten free. Proof that most "real food" is naturally gluten free. 🙂 Thanks, Kalyn, for all the delicious eats throughout each year!

Kalyn- We've been enjoying your recipes since May.My husband has lost 63 pounds and I've lost 16. We've tried so many of your recipes and have loved them all! You have been a life saver for us and I feel we're finally on the right track to what I call a "life diet". Thank you so much for all your great recipes and we look forward to trying more!

Thank you for the recap. I totally forgot about the Hungarian Cucumber recipe. The diner in my hometown in New Jersey used to serve these. As soon as my family sat down at the table a bowl of cucumbers was set on the table. I've had 2 cucumbers sitting in my fridge and I was wondering what to make….so I just finished making this recipe and it brings back memories of my childhood. I need to send the recipe to my brother and sister.Happy New Year…I hope 2013 brings you much happiness.Jane Bauer